UVIX vs. VIXY

Last updated Jul 15, 2026

UVIX (2x Long VIX Futures ETF) and VIXY (ProShares VIX Short-Term Futures ETF) are both Volatility funds - UVIX tracks the Long VIX Futures Index (200% Daily) while VIXY tracks the S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures Index. Both are passively managed. Over the past 3 years, UVIX returned -80.74%/yr vs -40.07%/yr for VIXY. With a 0.99 correlation, they move nearly in lockstep. UVIX charges 2.78%/yr vs 0.85%/yr for VIXY.

Performance

UVIX vs. VIXY - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in 2x Long VIX Futures ETF (UVIX) and ProShares VIX Short-Term Futures ETF (VIXY). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, UVIX achieves a -49.10% return, which is significantly lower than VIXY's -19.42% return.

UVIX

• 1D: -2.56%
• 1M: -23.11%
• 6M: -48.19%
• YTD: -49.10%
• 1Y: -85.68%
• 3Y*: -80.74%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

VIXY

• 1D: -1.71%
• 1M: -11.29%
• 6M: -19.39%
• YTD: -19.42%
• 1Y: -53.82%
• 3Y*: -40.07%
• 5Y*: -46.71%
• 10Y*: -47.26%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

UVIX vs. VIXY - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022
UVIX 2x Long VIX Futures ETF	-49.10%	-83.21%	-75.24%	-95.28%	-61.86%
VIXY ProShares VIX Short-Term Futures ETF	-19.42%	-43.05%	-27.43%	-72.74%	-27.14%

Correlation

The correlation between UVIX and VIXY is 0.99 - these two move nearly in lockstep. At this level, holding both provides almost no diversification benefit. If you already own one, adding the other does little to reduce portfolio risk.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	1.00
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.99
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Mar 30, 2022	0.99

The correlation between UVIX and VIXY has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.99 to 0.99 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

UVIX vs. VIXY — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

UVIX

UVIX Risk / Return Rank: 2
UVIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 3
UVIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 1
UVIX Omega Ratio Rank: 1
UVIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 0
UVIX Martin Ratio Rank: 2

VIXY

VIXY Risk / Return Rank: 1
VIXY Sharpe Ratio Rank: 2
VIXY Sortino Ratio Rank: 2
VIXY Omega Ratio Rank: 2
VIXY Calmar Ratio Rank: 0
VIXY Martin Ratio Rank: 1

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

UVIX vs. VIXY - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for 2x Long VIX Futures ETF (UVIX) and ProShares VIX Short-Term Futures ETF (VIXY). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	UVIX	VIXY	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	-0.76	-0.96	+0.20
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	-1.66	-1.55	-0.11
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	0.81	0.83	-0.01
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	-1.00	-0.99	-0.01
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	-1.38	-1.58	+0.19

UVIX vs. VIXY - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current UVIX Sharpe Ratio is -0.76, which is comparable to the VIXY Sharpe Ratio of -0.96. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of UVIX and VIXY, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

UVIX vs. VIXY - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum UVIX drawdown since its inception was -99.98%, roughly equal to the maximum VIXY drawdown of -100.00%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for UVIX and VIXY.

Drawdown Indicators

	UVIX	VIXY	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-99.98%	-100.00%	+0.02%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-86.11%	-54.62%	-31.49%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-99.40%	-81.19%	-18.21%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-96.44%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-99.84%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-99.98%	-100.00%	+0.02%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-88.73%	-92.22%	+3.49%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	61.87%	34.19%	+27.68%

Volatility

UVIX vs. VIXY - Volatility Comparison

2x Long VIX Futures ETF (UVIX) has a higher volatility of 26.69% compared to ProShares VIX Short-Term Futures ETF (VIXY) at 13.59%. This indicates that UVIX's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than VIXY based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	UVIX	VIXY	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	26.69%	13.59%	+13.10%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	87.61%	44.21%	+43.40%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	112.52%	56.36%	+56.16%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	135.41%	70.29%	+65.12%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	135.41%	71.84%	+63.57%

UVIX vs. VIXY - Expense Ratio Comparison

UVIX has a 2.78% expense ratio, which is higher than VIXY's 0.85% expense ratio.

Dividends

UVIX vs. VIXY - Dividend Comparison

Neither UVIX nor VIXY has paid dividends to shareholders.

Tickers have no history of dividend payments

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both UVIX and VIXY in my portfolio?

With a correlation of 0.99, UVIX and VIXY move almost identically. Holding both adds very little diversification - you're essentially doubling your position in the same market segment. Choosing one is usually more capital-efficient.

Which is riskier, UVIX or VIXY?

UVIX has higher volatility (26.69%) compared to VIXY (13.59%). In terms of maximum drawdown, UVIX dropped -99.98% vs VIXY's -100.00%.

Which ETF is better, UVIX or VIXY?

On 3-year performance, VIXY leads with -40.07% vs -80.74% for UVIX. On fees, VIXY is cheaper at 0.85% per year. On volatility, VIXY has been the lower-risk option at 13.59%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, UVIX or VIXY?

Over the 3-year period, VIXY has performed better with a -40.07% return vs -80.74%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, UVIX or VIXY?

VIXY is cheaper with a 0.85% expense ratio, compared with 2.78% for UVIX.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, UVIX or VIXY?

UVIX and VIXY have nearly identical dividend yields, around 0.00%.

What is the main difference between UVIX and VIXY?

UVIX tracks Long VIX Futures Index (200% Daily), while VIXY tracks S&P 500 VIX Short-Term Futures Index. They also come from different issuers: Volatility Shares and ProShares. Their fees differ too: 2.78% for UVIX and 0.85% for VIXY.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

UVIX currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (-0.76 vs -0.96), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.